James R. Chilton

James R. Chilton was born in Kilgore Texas and raised by Roy and Jessie Chilton in Lamesa, Texas. He graduated from Sparenberg High School in 1949 and subsequently attended Wayland Baptist in Plainview.

He joined the Airforce in 1952 and was awarded several service metals and for a brief time lived in Albuquerque New Mexico while working on guidance systems for atomic bombs. After serving in the Airforce, he returned to Lamesa, working as a police officer, moved to Lubbock working as a disk jockey and insurance salesman then moved to Amarillo working for IBM as a typewriter repairman and finally returning to Lubbock in 1962 working for the State of Texas for many years retiring in 1993. During his 30 plus years with the state he won several achievement awards and traveled across Texas.

James’s true love was music and religion, he played several instruments – the Organ, Piano, Accordion, Mouth Harp and was an accomplished musician. He was active in church and loved teaching the bible and playing for the congregation as well as being a music director and Sunday school teacher. He could never get enough of the Bible or playing the piano or organ for the church, playing for numerous weddings and funerals etc. During his off time, he enjoyed working on genealogy and traced the Chilton name back for several centuries. Even after suffering a devastating fall that placed him in assisted living care, he still loved to play the piano for the residents that lived there. He last played the piano the day before he died. In addition to church and music he was a 32nd degree Mason.

James (Jim) died on October 14th 2022 in Lubbock after a lengthy stay with Promise Land Assisted Living home. The family wishes to thank the entire staff that cared for James for several years and the love and care they provided on a daily basis.

James was proceeded in death by his parents Roy and Jessie Chilton, three sisters Texana Cate, Alva Bigham and Willie Hurst, a nephew, Jimmy Ross Milan and a Niece, Verna Jo Martin, his wife Margaret Chilton, and a step son Bill Thompson. He is survived by his son, James C. Chilton and wife Betty Chilton of Cypress Texas, two step daughters and their husbands - Dell and Matt Montgomery of Lubbock, Suzie and Dave Riley of Hurst Texas.

The family will gather to receive friends at Resthaven Funeral Home on Friday November 11th 2022 from 6:00 pm– 8:00 pm.

Services for James Roy Chilton, 91 of Lubbock TX. Will be held at 10:00 am Saturday November 12th 2022 in the Rest Haven Chapel with Ed Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Rest Haven Cemetery with honors being presented by the Veterans Administration, services are under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home of Lubbock Texas.